In a case that raises serious concerns about food hygiene and consumer accountability in the fast-paced world of quick commerce, the Bhopal District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered Vrindavan Dhaba to pay Rs 15,130 in compensation to a customer for delivering food containing a dead fly. The forum ruled in favor of Abhishek Dixit, a resident of Gautam Nagar, Bhopal, who had ordered butter khichdi and lassi via Swiggy on May 25, 2024.
Upon receiving his order, Dixit noticed a dead fly inside the khichdi—clearly visible through the transparent packaging even before opening the container. Disturbed by the sight, he immediately contacted Swiggy through email and chat to report the issue. However, the delivery platform deflected responsibility, stating that it had already paid the restaurant and therefore could not be held accountable for the food’s quality.
Left without a solution, Dixit approached the Bhopal Consumer Forum, initiating a case against the restaurant and seeking compensation. After a nearly two-year legal process, the forum, led by President Yogesh Dutt Shukla and member Dr. Pratibha Pandey, found Vrindavan Dhaba guilty of negligence. The forum stated that the presence of a dead insect in a sealed food item reflected a serious lapse in hygiene and food safety standards, and clearly amounted to a deficiency in service.
In its ruling, the forum held Vrindavan Dhaba solely responsible and dismissed claims against Swiggy, noting that the platform merely acted as a delivery intermediary and bore no role in food preparation. The forum ordered the restaurant to refund the order amount of Rs 130, pay Rs 10,000 for mental harassment and poor service, and an additional Rs 5,000 for legal expenses, totaling Rs 15,130. The compensation must be paid within two months from the date of the order, failing which the amount will carry a 9% annual interest until full payment is made. On the forum’s decision, Abhishek Dixit’s lawyer Atharva Munjhe said the ruling sends a strong message to food service providers that negligence in food quality and consumer health will not be tolerated. He emphasized that consumers have the right to safe, hygienic food, and legal action is an effective remedy when companies or restaurants fail to uphold that responsibility.
